Documentation

Getting started

Create an account, read your database, draw a diagram, make a change and export a migration script, step by step.

1. Create an account

Select Create an account and enter your email address. You are sent a one-time code; enter it to sign in. There is no password to set.

The Free plan is included with every account and opens schemas of up to 25 objects. No card is needed.

2. Read your schema

  1. Go to Workspace → Read a schema.
  2. Enter the server, the database, and your sign-in details for it.
  3. Select Read schema.

The designer opens with your tables, views, functions and procedures listed down the left. See Reading a schema for DACPAC files and connection options.

3. Pick a table

Select a table in the list. The diagram draws that table with the tables it is related to around it. The whole schema is not drawn at once.

Use Relationship levels to follow relationships further out, and Follow to choose which direction to follow. See Exploring the diagram.

4. Make a change

Click a box to open its editor below the diagram, where you can add and change columns, keys, indexes and triggers. Drag between two boxes to add a relationship. See Editing a schema.

There is no undo. Close a project without saving and your changes are lost.

5. Export the migration script

  1. Go to Workspace → Pending changes to see every change you have made.
  2. Select Export to download a .sql file.
  3. Review the script, then run it yourself in SSMS or your deployment tool.

WoodFireERD does not run the script for you. Export needs a Pro or Unlimited plan. See Migration scripts.

6. Save your work

Select Save in the project menu to download a .erproj.json file to your machine. Select Open to load it again later and carry on. See Projects and refresh.

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